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Miscellaneous Poems

Viewing comments for Chapter 11 "Black Dog"
Poems not in other books

21 total reviews 
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
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What a fine tribute to your black doges, Craig. You did a great job expressing your thoughts/feelings. Your rhymes are great, the lines flow smoothly, the picture is perfect, and your words, although poignant, reveal much emotion reminiscing about Whiskey, Ebony, Misty, and Bella. Readers easily see the connection and bond you and your awesome black dogs formed for a lifetime--even after all have passed. I like the way your poem ends as it began. Great job. Thanks for sharing and caring. Jan

 Comment Written 27-May-2019


reply by the author on 27-May-2019
    Thanks so much for the truly lovely comments, Jan. Bella is still with us, though she is very old and frail... but she is still a happy little thing :) Most grateful for your kindness. Craig
Comment from Joan E.
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Thank you for your salute to mental health awareness month with your use of the "black dog" metaphor. I enjoyed your sonnet and alternating rhymes. Here's to more dog pals! Cheers- Joan

 Comment Written 27-May-2019


reply by the author on 27-May-2019
    Thanks so much, Joan. Very much appreciate the lovely comments. Craig
Comment from damommy
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It's a sad thing that we can't keep them with us longer. Over the years, I've lost many cherished dogs and cats, and remember every one of them. There's no friendship or love like that from an animal. This is beautifully written poem, CD, and told with a lot of feeling.

 Comment Written 27-May-2019


reply by the author on 27-May-2019
    There most certainly isn't, Yvonne. Thank you for the lovely comments, they are most appreciated. Craig
Comment from Sandra du Plessis
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A very well-written sonnet about the black dogs that give meaning to your life in many ways, while others blame the black dog for the state of their mind, you remember the joy black dogs bring to your childhood until today.

 Comment Written 27-May-2019


reply by the author on 27-May-2019
    Thanks so much, Sandra. You got the dual meaning I was trying to convey. Much appreciated, Craig
Comment from Gloria ....
Exceptional
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What a most cute picture of you, Craig. Both you and your dog look ridiculously happy. :)

That said, much enjoy the clever allusion to the "black dog on one's back" referring to depression, but in fact is/are real pets that meant the world to you.

A superb sonnet written in pristine rhyme and metre showing great love for those wee black puppies.

Enjoyed.

Gloria

 Comment Written 27-May-2019


reply by the author on 27-May-2019
    We were pretty much always happy when we were together, Gloria. Except on the occasions Whiskey was consoling me after some grave injustice performed upon me by my parents... then, she was unfailingly sympathetic ;-)

    Many thanks for the wonderful review.

    Craig
Comment from bichonfrisegirl
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Hi Craig,

Dogs really do hold such special places in our hearts. No one can ever hold a candle to them in terms of 'loyalty'. Close bonds are quickly formed between a dog and its master. Interesting and odd to me, to read that "black dog" has been used as a metaphor for depression, as dogs are uplifting to humans; yet "black" anything is very symbolic of something bad, so I get it.

This is a well written poem dedicated to Mental Health month, with subject matter that many can relate well to. Hey, would that be you in the picture as a little boy, Craig? I enjoyed reading both your poem and your author notes.

Cheers,
Connie

 Comment Written 27-May-2019


reply by the author on 27-May-2019
    It is a rather strange and ironic metaphor, Connie -- I have to agree. That ugly mug is indeed mine. The cute one is Whiskey, my first dog. She must have had quite an impact, because every dog I've had since has been all or predominantly black. Many thanks for the thoughtful review, Craig
reply by bichonfrisegirl on 27-May-2019
    Oh, what a cute little boy you were, and you look so happy with your Whiskey. You two had a special bond, for sure.
Comment from RodG
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

You definitely moved me with this Sonnet of a black dog that filled your life. Two lines really resonate with me:
But mourns the fact that neither friends nor wife/could fill the void left by his childhood pet. I lost my most recent dog 21/2 years ago and that void is still unfilled. The content is super, but your meter and rhyme are flawless too. Though sad, this Sonnet made my day. Rod

 Comment Written 27-May-2019


reply by the author on 27-May-2019
    Thanks so much for the wonderful comments and the delightful rating, Rod. Some people don't get that the loss of a four-legged friend can be as upsetting, or even more so, than a two-legged one. I guess they don't understand; I think you do.

    Much appreciation,
    Craig
reply by RodG on 27-May-2019
    You are very welcome, and yes, I do understand. Rod
Comment from nancy_e_davis
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This is a lovely poem CD and one many of us can relate to. Animals can be an important part of our life and I have had many pets. All could be classified as my best friend and I loved each and everyone of them dearly. Both dogs and cats.
Nice poem. Nancy:)

 Comment Written 27-May-2019


reply by the author on 27-May-2019
    Glad to hear you also share a love of our four-legged friends, Nancy. Thank you for the lovely comments, they are very much appreciated.

    Craig
Comment from Scarbrems
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It's a lovely double-meaning piece. The loss of a pet is such a hard thing, often a child's first understanding of death, and the pain of loss. And yes, for how many of us does the little black dog scratch at the door...

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 Comment Written 27-May-2019


reply by the author on 27-May-2019
    Thanks so much, Emma. I guess some of us never grow up, because the pain doesn't get any easier as we get older. Most grateful for the great comments. Craig
Comment from Dawn Munro
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Jesus, Craig, this is so sad (and so beautiful) -- sad because I have a long list of my own dogs that I miss to this day. Beautiful because( as always) it is pure music to the ear when read aloud, and the imagery is second-to-none.

Your notes, too, reminded me of the Churchill story and the metaphor. Makes me feel more human to know the great man also had his moments...

 Comment Written 27-May-2019


reply by the author on 27-May-2019
    Thanks so much for the wonderful comments, Dawn. They mean a lot to me. I'm also grateful for the lovely, shiny stars! Muchas gracias, Craig
reply by Dawn Munro on 27-May-2019
    De nada, mi amigo. :) Well-earned! SO well-earned.